Observations of a Land-owning Hunter

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Muzzleloader hunting

Spent nine days in Devil’s Garden. It was a great time. Morning temps ranged from 8 degrees up to 11. The Cargo Trailer worked well, but I would like to have had a heater.

The propane lantern and one-burner stove took the edge off, but that was about it. Went to town on day three and purchased a big sleeping bag that saved my life. I was freezing at night in my light down bags.

The cargo trailer was roomy for one person. Had a table set up at the front and rear with my cot in the middle. The solar panel supplied plenty of power to keep the battery working the lights and fan. The Rhino ATV fit nicely inside and towing was no issue for my 2013 F-150 with Eco-boost engine.

There were plenty of deer, but I didn’t find a shooter buck. Here are my best deer photos.

This is a typical group of does and fawns.

Here’s a small buck in rut mode.

This 4×4 crossed the road in front of me.

This 3×4 had a harem.

This guy was competing with the buck in the previous photo.

This was the best buck I saw, but not good enough. I figured he was about 24 inches wide. He was close, but the decision wasn’t hard. He came by on the next to last day of the hunt, following a doe.

This group of deer crossed the road about 100 yards in front of me early in the hunt. The buck is a 3×4, but a small one.

This is a typical group of does and fawns.

Here’s a small buck in rut mode.

This 4×4 crossed the road in front of me.

This 3×4 had a harem.

This guy was competing with the buck in the previous photo.

This was the best buck I saw, but not good enough. I figured he was about 24 inches wide. He was close, but the decision wasn’t hard. He came by on the next to last day of the hunt, following a doe.

The horses were there as well.

On the final day of the hunt, I wanted to sit by a tank and wait for deer. This is what showed up.

Between the skittish horses and swirling wind, it became clear that it was a bad day to hunt the water hole, so I passed. It was time to head home anyway.

The Remington 700 muzzleloader is functioning well, but I’m not very proficient at loading it yet.

The percussion caps are so small that I fumble around with them. I can’t yet imagine what it would be like trying to reload with a desirable buck standing at 50 yards. I think the key will be to hit him on the first shot.

I’ve shot with pellets and power, but the power produces a quicker ignition, almost like a cartridge rifle, while the pellets have a delayed response.

Right now I’m shooting three-inch groups from a platform (my tri-pod) at 75 yards. I’m progressing, but this exercise requires significant effort.

I’ve got a long way to go. I’ll hunt with the muzzleloader during the A-Zone season as well. Haven’t had time to do any archery hunting yet.